
Chemical GuysCitrus Wash and Gloss
Updated · 19 ingredients analyzed
$0.86COST/WASH
A highly alkaline, concentrated car shampoo that combines aggressive cleaning power with gloss enhancers for heavy-duty washing and shine enhancement. Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Gloss ranks #3 of 15 car shampoos for stripping power.
Key Chemistry
pH
12.6
Active Mechanism
alkaline saponification
Surfactants
4 (anionic, nonionic)
Expert Analysis
This formula leverages sodium hydroxide at up to 10% to create a highly alkaline (pH 12.6) cleaning environment that aggressively breaks down heavy dirt and road grime. The dual anionic and nonionic surfactant system provides strong cleaning action while citrus extracts contribute natural degreasing properties, with added gloss enhancers designed to leave a protective shine layer after washing.
Key Differentiators
- •Exceptionally high alkalinity (pH 12.6) for commercial-grade cleaning power in a consumer product
- •Full ingredient transparency with 19 disclosed components, unusual for car care products
Ingredients
Benzenesulfonic acid, C10-16-alkyl derivs.
10–25%
CAS: 68584-22-5Surfactant
Alcohols, C10-16, ethoxylated, sulfates, sodium salts
2.5–10%
CAS: 68585-34-2Surfactant
sodium hydroxide
2.5–10%
CAS: 1310-73-2pH Adjuster
Proprietary Diluent
N/D
CAS: WithheldDiluent
Proprietary Alkylbenzene Derivative
N/D
CAS: WithheldSurfactant
Sulphuric Acid
N/D
CAS: 7664-93-9pH Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
N/D
CAS: 4647-14-5Thickener
Proprietary Alcohol Ethoxylate
N/D
CAS: WithheldSurfactant
Proprietary Inorganic Salt
N/D
CAS: WithheldThickener
Proprietary Alcohol
N/D
CAS: WithheldSolvent
Benzisothiazolinone
N/D
CAS: 2634-33-5Preservative
Proprietary Frangrance Ingredient
N/D
CAS: WithheldFragrance Ingredient
Sulphur dioxide
N/D
CAS: 7446-09-5Impurity
Anethole
N/D
CAS: 4180-23-8Fragrance Ingredient
Terpinolene
N/D
CAS: 586-62-9Fragrance Ingredient
Proprietary Frangrance Ingredient
N/D
CAS: WithheldFragrance Ingredient
Proprietary Colorant
N/D
CAS: WithheldColorant
Methylisothiazolinone
N/D
CAS: 55965-84-9Preservative
1,4-dioxane
N/D
CAS: 123-91-1Impurity
Safety Profile
Signal Word
DangerEye Hazard
Serious eye damage, Category 1, H318Skin Hazard
H314 - Causes severe skin burns and eye damageCorrosive to Metals
YesFlammable
No

